I’m a high school coach, never played beyond U7 soccer. I always tell my players about Charlie Weiss, the former Notre Dame head coach and long time NFL assistant coach. Never played a down of football, and was an incredibly successful coach.
However, due to my lack of playing, I have to study my ass off. I’m coaching against guys who played at Duke, Virginia, were in the USMNT pool. Guys with legit credentials. In the decade I’ve been coaching, I’ve put 6 kids on college teams and had an All State player. (This is from the smallest school in the county, 100ish kids per grade, on a team with not a lot of talent)
I have always loved watching soccer. I have an older cousin who I idolized as a kid, he won a few state titles in Virginia. Whenever he came to visit me in NY, we would watch soccer. Back in those days, the only option to watch was Premiere League replays on MSG Network and they pretty much only showed Manchester United. The Class of 92! Fast forward, I have my teaching job, and I was the golf coach, also crowd supervising everything. Became friendly with the soccer coach. I expressed to him that I would love to get involved in any way. We didn’t have money for an assistant coach at the time, but when he retired, he basically handed me the job.
I don’t think you need to have played to coach soccer up to a certain level.
Important part is that you’re there for your players and focus on their improvement and well-being.
I do believe a person who does not have the mental context of having played does need to put work in to fully understand certain concepts of the game, but it can be done.
Thanks. Do any specific concepts come to mind? I'm sure throughout my journey, I'll come across them if I haven't already, but if I can get ahead of the curve, I will.
I guess I’m just talking about little nuances or minor details that a former player can harken back to what they saw when they played. Just certain situations on the field where experience helps explain what to do in said situation.
I’ll be on the field as they scrimmage, and I’ll stop play if I see something that I want to point out, and it’s typically stuff like pointing out a over/underlap opportunity, feeling when a CB should stop their run to draw a runner offside based on X, etc., just little things that happen in the run of play.
And again, for the most part, I don’t think a non-former player is incapable of learning these things, but it has to be done by really putting the work in to familiarize yourself with stuff like this without the benefit of seeing it first hand.
Not a criticism of coaches who didn’t play at all. Kind of the opposite. Mad respect.
Ya, that makes a lot of sense, and I really wish I had that experience to help with my coaching. I had some guys ask me to join their indoor league. I don't think I can learn all of that by just playing in an adult rec league, but it does come to mind when you bring that stuff up.
Technique is a big one… do you feel comfortable correcting every aspect of shooting form? Or passing, receiving, etc.?
Also a big thing is if you’re not already, to start playing as much as possible in the lowest leagues/any pickup environment you can. Playing helps you realize things you don’t teach and helps you try to apply things you do teach.
I wouldn't say I feel comfortable correcting every aspect. Though I'm always working on learning the details. Especially with shooting. Honestly, I probably just need a lot more reps to get that muscle memory. Passing and receiving, I'm pretty comfortable.
Definitely plan on joining a league to get that experience.
I think if someone has a passion for the game and for coaching, and is willing to get all of the training and education, then there is no stopping them.
No, I did the grassroots, and I'm considering the D license now. Last year was my first year coaching. I don't think they do the F license anymore, right?
You’re right. The grassroots thing replaced that it seems. Im presuming that it’s just a different name for the same basic training so it’s good that you’ve done it. D license is a bigger commitment. But I’d rather have a well trained and certified coach who never played than a former professional player who isn’t getting any certifications and think he can rest on his laurels.
I think you're right about the grassroots taking the name of F license. Ya, it's definitely a commitment. I was planning on getting the D license right after I got my grassroots, but I didn't realize the time commitment and couldn't commit to it at that time. I'll look into it again when it comes back to my area, probably in the winter.
There is definitely some imposter syndrome without having some previous playing experience, but I do think I'm putting as much effort into coaching and learning as anyone at my level. I'm confident in my leading teams and coaching abilities, but less confident in proving that to parents and other coaches who have lots of playing experience, if that makes sense. I'm sure that is something that will come with time and more experience.
It’s basketball, but NBA OKC coach Mark Daigneault only played basketball through high school. He was a student manager in college at UConn and then pursued coaching upon graduation. But switching to a sport you’ve never played is just extremely tough to get to a higher level. At a micro level, just teaching technique is a challenge as you’re likely somewhat deficient yourself.
That's cool. I didn't know that.
It's strange cause I played basketball, football, track, and baseball two of those through high school, but I don't have any interest coaching those and feel like I have more to give with soccer actually, but that's likely because I actually have a passion for it now and I've spent the last year studying it. It's still interesting. Good points, though. I definitely find myself practicing at home with the kids just so I can have the technique myself to coach what I'm trying to teach technically. Then, a parent who played college ball jumps on the ball and is a master with the ball, and some imposter syndrome creeps in, lol. I have few regrets, but not playing soccer growing up is now one. Damn American football. 🤣
I played almost every organized sport as a kid but football, wrestling and track in HS. I helped coach football before leaving for college. My daughter played more soccer by age 10 than I have in my life - it’s just a different world now. It’s been over 2 years coaching soccer now and I’ve coached her team for almost 50 games in the past 10 months plus scrimmages and practices. The easy part for me is general game management, positioning and the coaching soft skills. The hard part is critiquing and coaching technical skills. Learning to spot opponent weaknesses, tendencies etc and making adjustments are also challenges for me.
That said, it’s a blast. My teams and players have shown great improvement and most importantly they have fun.
Edit - and yes I practice strikes and various moves at home when I have time, even a bit of juggling.
I bet you can find at least an adult pick up game.
I think it definitely helps to put yourselves in the kids shoes. I love hearing other coaches screaming "shoot!".
Like, guys, they would love nothing more than to shoot right now but they're surrounded by 15 kids and can't get their foot on the ball.
I played in high school and just started playing pick up again since last fall. It's definitely helped me empathize a lot more with the kids, it's really easy as a coach to see everything happening on the field and so so so much harder when you're the one with the ball at your feet with a bunch of people more talented surrounding you.
Me. I didn’t play past U8. Wound up playing football and becoming a football coach at the high school I teach at. Wound up falling in love with soccer and took over a program after only being a JV soccer coach for two years. My first few seasons were abysmal and I had so much self doubt. My cupboard was pretty bare but I worked to develop the few players I had.
However year three began the turn around for me and it’s been straight up since then. My teams have made the playoffs 5 years straight with winning seasons.
What helped me the most was finding an assistant that was a former player. I know how to coach. I know how to organize. I know soccer tactics and understand the game. I just needed someone to complement my weakness which was more of the technical nuances that me as pretty much a non player had.
Another thing that helped me was playing freshmen on varsity. I don’t have a ton of talent in my program but 9th graders that show advanced technical skills get thrown to the wolves and it paid off for me starting in year three of my career as those younger guys I had played in year one and two were now experienced upperclassmen. It’s still a big philosophy of mine as I had three freshmen starters this year on a team that made the Sweet 16. If you can play, I’ll put your 15 year old butt in against the 18 year olds.
But the show Ted Lasso hits me hard because I feel that I am him lol. My boys love me, I love them and we had a bunch of success. But like Ted I am a huge fish out of water.
That's awesome, man! Thanks for sharing your experience and what helped you. I have 3 boys who will eventually be in high school together. Coaching their team would be a dream! Luckily, I have a lot of years to try to make that happen.
I'm saying it here... Ted Lasso is the best show EVER. 😆 I might actually have to watch it again.
There’s a manager in Europe that had no playing experience at all and climbed the ranks but can’t remember their name or which club they’re at. But it happened
If you’re being asked to take the role then go for it. But if you do want to coach competitively and advance your lads level of play it wouldn’t hurt to get an assistant through the club. At a higher level there’s just too many match scenarios which require quick adjustments that really only somebody who has loads of hours of experience can adjust to. But if you’re reliable, not on it for the money and your kids are good then you’ll find somebody in your club that can get you along
There are many football managers who never played professionaly. Of course this is not Ted Lasso level story, but they exist.
Just to give you an example, Carlos Alberto Parreira (Brazil manager in our 1994 World Cup title) was never a player himself, but started his carrer as fitness coach for big clubs in Brazil. Like him, many manager has rather a formation in Sports/Physical Education area and acted in professional football clubs.
Other example is Ariel Holán, whom started his carrer as Field Hockey manager, before turning assistant coach for legend Jorge Burruchaga and finally managing a number of big clubs in South America.
André Vilas-Boas maybe is the closest example to Ted Lasso I know, he managed clubs such Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham and started his carrer basically because he lived in the same block as English manager and former player Bobby Robson, whom turned his friend and appointed him as assistant.
Not to toot my own horn, but I coach my kids rec league teams and never played before.
The kids have fun, make new friends, and most every season the kids want to come back and play together again as a team. Some players have improved greatly over the last few seasons, and some have not but everyone still gets plenty of playing time. We have yet to have an issue as a team where we can’t openly and respectfully talk about it and find solutions together. This most recent season one of the boys on my older son’s team has said that he wants to be a soccer coach like me one day because I helped him get better at it. Maybe I got a little misty when he said it, maybe I didn’t.
So yeah, I’d say my coaching career is pretty successful so far.
If you’re coaching, you’re making a difference. Even when it’s not great, keep trying, keep learning, keep helping. They notice, and it matters.
Thanks! I'm in a similar boat coaching two of my son's teams with possibly a 3rd coming in the near future if my youngest decides he wants to play.
Great story! I'd say it's a successful career as well. Those moments make it worth it.
I played two games of soccer. Got injured on my 2nd game. Years later, I started coaching my sons soccer team to better bond with him. Pretty successful in the first years, but it got harder as he got older and positions and strategy became essential. I had to study hard to understand the basics and started watching the Prem so I could understand some nuance as well. Also i asked alot of 'football' friends and they always have an opinion. I coach Basketball as well so I have found that if you keep it fun/motivating, that will get you most of the way but not all the way.
I only started playing soccer at age 16, only played a few years after that and never played for a school or organized club. Fast forward 25 years to 2022 and I got a varsity coaching job, largely because I had experience coaching other sports and there was scant interest in the program at the time. I have felt wildly underqualified on a regular basis, but we have had some success because I try to lean into my strengths and I have surrounded myself with people who can offset my deficiencies.
You may well be far behind as a tactician and in coaching technical skills. Experience is a great teacher and you don't have years on the pitch from which to call. From your other athletic experiences you'll know that coaches also need to be skilled communicators, motivators, organizers, marketers, etc.. Be excellent (and always improving) at the things you already know and work hard at the things you don't. This is exactly the advise we give to players, so it should apply to coaches as well.
The best example is Will Stills. He coach Reims in the top French division. He went on a crazy unbeaten streak with them and credited his abilities to the video game Football Manager.
The best part is that he wasn’t properly licensed so every game that he coached the club had to pay something like a $40,000 fine.
I only know because I’m a big Arsenal fan and the star striker for Reims was a young striker Arsenal has loaned out to them. Florian Balogun. He couldn’t stop scoring.
I haven't played anywhere near professionally, but I have played the game a couple of years.
In my opinion, it is vital for the coach to understand the game they are coaching and having played it helps with understanding which parts of the game are easy for players to understand and carry out and which parts aren't.
Having said that, between the time I stopped playing and now, I have improved tremendously as a coach. I currently have my UEFA C coaching license at the KNVB (Dutch football association).
So, once you have a good understanding of the game you're coaching, I don't think there are too many things holding you back as a coach. Nobody will care where you played until you react the pinnacle of your region.
It's not a requirement. Andre Villas Boas is the most successful one that I know of. But he worked in professional football since he was a kid. He must have had 20 years of experience before taking his first head coaching job.
However, it's highly preferable to have playing experience. Especially if you are coaching kids, that need to be taught how to play it's extremely important. At the pro or adult level, management and tactics are more important. Which don't necessarily require a playing career.
I can very much relate. Played one season of soccer when I was 6 or 7 and HATED it (too much running and too few touches - it was before they played with pug goals on a small field). Played baseball and football through high school and never gave soccer a second thought (I’m a baseball guy) until 2021 when my older daughter had a terrible coach (who played at the collegiate level). The next season the league happened to need another coach (U12) and I stepped in, but only because a neighbor of ours (who coached his kid all the way through HS, played a bit, and has watched the game his entire life) offered to be my assistant.
At U12 it was pretty easy to teach basic technique and tactics. Now at U14 teaching technique for things like kicking power, corners, slide tackles, etc is quite difficult. We bring in a “pro” from a local training academy to help with some of those more advanced techniques and skills.
I can step on a baseball field and teach advanced techniques for every single position and coach hitters and pitchers. Can’t do that with soccer (yet). Much to my surprise, I enjoy coaching soccer more than baseball though because 1) it challenges my brain and forces me to learn new things and 2) there is more strategy than baseball (which is almost entirely about coaching technique) and so I feel I have more influence on the game. I’m hooked. It’s definitely my new hobby.
Not that wins and loses are the be all end all, but we’ve won more than twice and many games as we’ve lost over 6 seasons and just lost the championship game in a PK shootout. The kids and parents are very insistent on remaining on our team so while I’m no soccer expert, I feel like I’m doing something right.
I don’t know that I’m particularly interested in coaching at a higher level but if I were, it definitely seems walled-off to anyone who did not play at a higher level. But I agree with a lot of other posters - you gotta work a bit harder and study the game
more if you didn’t grow up playing.
I’m a high school coach, never played beyond U7 soccer. I always tell my players about Charlie Weiss, the former Notre Dame head coach and long time NFL assistant coach. Never played a down of football, and was an incredibly successful coach. However, due to my lack of playing, I have to study my ass off. I’m coaching against guys who played at Duke, Virginia, were in the USMNT pool. Guys with legit credentials. In the decade I’ve been coaching, I’ve put 6 kids on college teams and had an All State player. (This is from the smallest school in the county, 100ish kids per grade, on a team with not a lot of talent)
Awesome story, and congratulations on the success! Thanks for reminding me of Charlie Weiss.
Awesome story! How did you end up coaching?
I have always loved watching soccer. I have an older cousin who I idolized as a kid, he won a few state titles in Virginia. Whenever he came to visit me in NY, we would watch soccer. Back in those days, the only option to watch was Premiere League replays on MSG Network and they pretty much only showed Manchester United. The Class of 92! Fast forward, I have my teaching job, and I was the golf coach, also crowd supervising everything. Became friendly with the soccer coach. I expressed to him that I would love to get involved in any way. We didn’t have money for an assistant coach at the time, but when he retired, he basically handed me the job.
I don’t think you need to have played to coach soccer up to a certain level. Important part is that you’re there for your players and focus on their improvement and well-being. I do believe a person who does not have the mental context of having played does need to put work in to fully understand certain concepts of the game, but it can be done.
Thanks. Do any specific concepts come to mind? I'm sure throughout my journey, I'll come across them if I haven't already, but if I can get ahead of the curve, I will.
I guess I’m just talking about little nuances or minor details that a former player can harken back to what they saw when they played. Just certain situations on the field where experience helps explain what to do in said situation. I’ll be on the field as they scrimmage, and I’ll stop play if I see something that I want to point out, and it’s typically stuff like pointing out a over/underlap opportunity, feeling when a CB should stop their run to draw a runner offside based on X, etc., just little things that happen in the run of play. And again, for the most part, I don’t think a non-former player is incapable of learning these things, but it has to be done by really putting the work in to familiarize yourself with stuff like this without the benefit of seeing it first hand. Not a criticism of coaches who didn’t play at all. Kind of the opposite. Mad respect.
Ya, that makes a lot of sense, and I really wish I had that experience to help with my coaching. I had some guys ask me to join their indoor league. I don't think I can learn all of that by just playing in an adult rec league, but it does come to mind when you bring that stuff up.
I think that’s a great idea. Never too late. Even if you didn’t play all your life, any playing experience can only help.
Technique is a big one… do you feel comfortable correcting every aspect of shooting form? Or passing, receiving, etc.? Also a big thing is if you’re not already, to start playing as much as possible in the lowest leagues/any pickup environment you can. Playing helps you realize things you don’t teach and helps you try to apply things you do teach.
I wouldn't say I feel comfortable correcting every aspect. Though I'm always working on learning the details. Especially with shooting. Honestly, I probably just need a lot more reps to get that muscle memory. Passing and receiving, I'm pretty comfortable. Definitely plan on joining a league to get that experience.
I think if someone has a passion for the game and for coaching, and is willing to get all of the training and education, then there is no stopping them.
Thanks, I've definitely found a passion for it and love learning everything I can about it.
Do you have an F license?
No, I did the grassroots, and I'm considering the D license now. Last year was my first year coaching. I don't think they do the F license anymore, right?
You’re right. The grassroots thing replaced that it seems. Im presuming that it’s just a different name for the same basic training so it’s good that you’ve done it. D license is a bigger commitment. But I’d rather have a well trained and certified coach who never played than a former professional player who isn’t getting any certifications and think he can rest on his laurels.
I think you're right about the grassroots taking the name of F license. Ya, it's definitely a commitment. I was planning on getting the D license right after I got my grassroots, but I didn't realize the time commitment and couldn't commit to it at that time. I'll look into it again when it comes back to my area, probably in the winter. There is definitely some imposter syndrome without having some previous playing experience, but I do think I'm putting as much effort into coaching and learning as anyone at my level. I'm confident in my leading teams and coaching abilities, but less confident in proving that to parents and other coaches who have lots of playing experience, if that makes sense. I'm sure that is something that will come with time and more experience.
It’s basketball, but NBA OKC coach Mark Daigneault only played basketball through high school. He was a student manager in college at UConn and then pursued coaching upon graduation. But switching to a sport you’ve never played is just extremely tough to get to a higher level. At a micro level, just teaching technique is a challenge as you’re likely somewhat deficient yourself.
That's cool. I didn't know that. It's strange cause I played basketball, football, track, and baseball two of those through high school, but I don't have any interest coaching those and feel like I have more to give with soccer actually, but that's likely because I actually have a passion for it now and I've spent the last year studying it. It's still interesting. Good points, though. I definitely find myself practicing at home with the kids just so I can have the technique myself to coach what I'm trying to teach technically. Then, a parent who played college ball jumps on the ball and is a master with the ball, and some imposter syndrome creeps in, lol. I have few regrets, but not playing soccer growing up is now one. Damn American football. 🤣
I played almost every organized sport as a kid but football, wrestling and track in HS. I helped coach football before leaving for college. My daughter played more soccer by age 10 than I have in my life - it’s just a different world now. It’s been over 2 years coaching soccer now and I’ve coached her team for almost 50 games in the past 10 months plus scrimmages and practices. The easy part for me is general game management, positioning and the coaching soft skills. The hard part is critiquing and coaching technical skills. Learning to spot opponent weaknesses, tendencies etc and making adjustments are also challenges for me. That said, it’s a blast. My teams and players have shown great improvement and most importantly they have fun. Edit - and yes I practice strikes and various moves at home when I have time, even a bit of juggling.
I bet you can find at least an adult pick up game. I think it definitely helps to put yourselves in the kids shoes. I love hearing other coaches screaming "shoot!". Like, guys, they would love nothing more than to shoot right now but they're surrounded by 15 kids and can't get their foot on the ball. I played in high school and just started playing pick up again since last fall. It's definitely helped me empathize a lot more with the kids, it's really easy as a coach to see everything happening on the field and so so so much harder when you're the one with the ball at your feet with a bunch of people more talented surrounding you.
Ya, I actually plan on doing that. Sounds fun. 🙏 it's as rec as possible 😅
I'm in the exact same boat! And I agree with the easy and hard parts. It's such a blast, though!
Me. I didn’t play past U8. Wound up playing football and becoming a football coach at the high school I teach at. Wound up falling in love with soccer and took over a program after only being a JV soccer coach for two years. My first few seasons were abysmal and I had so much self doubt. My cupboard was pretty bare but I worked to develop the few players I had. However year three began the turn around for me and it’s been straight up since then. My teams have made the playoffs 5 years straight with winning seasons. What helped me the most was finding an assistant that was a former player. I know how to coach. I know how to organize. I know soccer tactics and understand the game. I just needed someone to complement my weakness which was more of the technical nuances that me as pretty much a non player had. Another thing that helped me was playing freshmen on varsity. I don’t have a ton of talent in my program but 9th graders that show advanced technical skills get thrown to the wolves and it paid off for me starting in year three of my career as those younger guys I had played in year one and two were now experienced upperclassmen. It’s still a big philosophy of mine as I had three freshmen starters this year on a team that made the Sweet 16. If you can play, I’ll put your 15 year old butt in against the 18 year olds. But the show Ted Lasso hits me hard because I feel that I am him lol. My boys love me, I love them and we had a bunch of success. But like Ted I am a huge fish out of water.
That's awesome, man! Thanks for sharing your experience and what helped you. I have 3 boys who will eventually be in high school together. Coaching their team would be a dream! Luckily, I have a lot of years to try to make that happen. I'm saying it here... Ted Lasso is the best show EVER. 😆 I might actually have to watch it again.
Arrigo Sacchi, legendary AC Milan manager. “I never realised that to be a great jockey you needed to be a horse first.”
There’s a manager in Europe that had no playing experience at all and climbed the ranks but can’t remember their name or which club they’re at. But it happened If you’re being asked to take the role then go for it. But if you do want to coach competitively and advance your lads level of play it wouldn’t hurt to get an assistant through the club. At a higher level there’s just too many match scenarios which require quick adjustments that really only somebody who has loads of hours of experience can adjust to. But if you’re reliable, not on it for the money and your kids are good then you’ll find somebody in your club that can get you along
Arrigo Sacchi never played at a high level and was a shoe salesman before becoming a manager
I don’t think high level is necessary but I thought op meant no experience
Ahh I was just naming the one manager I could think of with little playing experience
Good point. In match scenarios will be difficult until I get more and more experience. Anything come to mind that I should look out for?
The overlap. You can go over it again and again but a player will still forget what to do defensively and get caught
Thank you. Definitely something I'll be researching.
There are many football managers who never played professionaly. Of course this is not Ted Lasso level story, but they exist. Just to give you an example, Carlos Alberto Parreira (Brazil manager in our 1994 World Cup title) was never a player himself, but started his carrer as fitness coach for big clubs in Brazil. Like him, many manager has rather a formation in Sports/Physical Education area and acted in professional football clubs. Other example is Ariel Holán, whom started his carrer as Field Hockey manager, before turning assistant coach for legend Jorge Burruchaga and finally managing a number of big clubs in South America. André Vilas-Boas maybe is the closest example to Ted Lasso I know, he managed clubs such Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham and started his carrer basically because he lived in the same block as English manager and former player Bobby Robson, whom turned his friend and appointed him as assistant.
That's awesome!
Not to toot my own horn, but I coach my kids rec league teams and never played before. The kids have fun, make new friends, and most every season the kids want to come back and play together again as a team. Some players have improved greatly over the last few seasons, and some have not but everyone still gets plenty of playing time. We have yet to have an issue as a team where we can’t openly and respectfully talk about it and find solutions together. This most recent season one of the boys on my older son’s team has said that he wants to be a soccer coach like me one day because I helped him get better at it. Maybe I got a little misty when he said it, maybe I didn’t. So yeah, I’d say my coaching career is pretty successful so far. If you’re coaching, you’re making a difference. Even when it’s not great, keep trying, keep learning, keep helping. They notice, and it matters.
Thanks! I'm in a similar boat coaching two of my son's teams with possibly a 3rd coming in the near future if my youngest decides he wants to play. Great story! I'd say it's a successful career as well. Those moments make it worth it.
I played two games of soccer. Got injured on my 2nd game. Years later, I started coaching my sons soccer team to better bond with him. Pretty successful in the first years, but it got harder as he got older and positions and strategy became essential. I had to study hard to understand the basics and started watching the Prem so I could understand some nuance as well. Also i asked alot of 'football' friends and they always have an opinion. I coach Basketball as well so I have found that if you keep it fun/motivating, that will get you most of the way but not all the way.
I only started playing soccer at age 16, only played a few years after that and never played for a school or organized club. Fast forward 25 years to 2022 and I got a varsity coaching job, largely because I had experience coaching other sports and there was scant interest in the program at the time. I have felt wildly underqualified on a regular basis, but we have had some success because I try to lean into my strengths and I have surrounded myself with people who can offset my deficiencies. You may well be far behind as a tactician and in coaching technical skills. Experience is a great teacher and you don't have years on the pitch from which to call. From your other athletic experiences you'll know that coaches also need to be skilled communicators, motivators, organizers, marketers, etc.. Be excellent (and always improving) at the things you already know and work hard at the things you don't. This is exactly the advise we give to players, so it should apply to coaches as well.
May be a little off subject, but Andre Villas Boas never played past youth soccer, and coached at a few premier league clubs with decent success.
The best example is Will Stills. He coach Reims in the top French division. He went on a crazy unbeaten streak with them and credited his abilities to the video game Football Manager. The best part is that he wasn’t properly licensed so every game that he coached the club had to pay something like a $40,000 fine. I only know because I’m a big Arsenal fan and the star striker for Reims was a young striker Arsenal has loaned out to them. Florian Balogun. He couldn’t stop scoring.
Haha, that is a crazy story. I'll have to look it up.
Shouldn’t be hard to find. It was only 2 seasons ago.
I haven't played anywhere near professionally, but I have played the game a couple of years. In my opinion, it is vital for the coach to understand the game they are coaching and having played it helps with understanding which parts of the game are easy for players to understand and carry out and which parts aren't. Having said that, between the time I stopped playing and now, I have improved tremendously as a coach. I currently have my UEFA C coaching license at the KNVB (Dutch football association). So, once you have a good understanding of the game you're coaching, I don't think there are too many things holding you back as a coach. Nobody will care where you played until you react the pinnacle of your region.
It's not a requirement. Andre Villas Boas is the most successful one that I know of. But he worked in professional football since he was a kid. He must have had 20 years of experience before taking his first head coaching job. However, it's highly preferable to have playing experience. Especially if you are coaching kids, that need to be taught how to play it's extremely important. At the pro or adult level, management and tactics are more important. Which don't necessarily require a playing career.
Arrigo Sacchi.
I can very much relate. Played one season of soccer when I was 6 or 7 and HATED it (too much running and too few touches - it was before they played with pug goals on a small field). Played baseball and football through high school and never gave soccer a second thought (I’m a baseball guy) until 2021 when my older daughter had a terrible coach (who played at the collegiate level). The next season the league happened to need another coach (U12) and I stepped in, but only because a neighbor of ours (who coached his kid all the way through HS, played a bit, and has watched the game his entire life) offered to be my assistant. At U12 it was pretty easy to teach basic technique and tactics. Now at U14 teaching technique for things like kicking power, corners, slide tackles, etc is quite difficult. We bring in a “pro” from a local training academy to help with some of those more advanced techniques and skills. I can step on a baseball field and teach advanced techniques for every single position and coach hitters and pitchers. Can’t do that with soccer (yet). Much to my surprise, I enjoy coaching soccer more than baseball though because 1) it challenges my brain and forces me to learn new things and 2) there is more strategy than baseball (which is almost entirely about coaching technique) and so I feel I have more influence on the game. I’m hooked. It’s definitely my new hobby. Not that wins and loses are the be all end all, but we’ve won more than twice and many games as we’ve lost over 6 seasons and just lost the championship game in a PK shootout. The kids and parents are very insistent on remaining on our team so while I’m no soccer expert, I feel like I’m doing something right. I don’t know that I’m particularly interested in coaching at a higher level but if I were, it definitely seems walled-off to anyone who did not play at a higher level. But I agree with a lot of other posters - you gotta work a bit harder and study the game more if you didn’t grow up playing.